Remember the administrative offices of the old Leaside Aerodrome? You wouldn’t recognize the space now. A wonderful establishment has opened at 25 Commercial Rd. called Motorista Studio, which is a creative social club, event space and bookable studio. It blends artistry and engineering plus old and new, for a unique vibe. Their website describes the studio as “a world of glamour and luxury and a place where history and creativity collide.” After having had the pleasure of visiting the studio, I couldn’t agree more with this description.
The club’s founder, Allan Rocco (known to everyone as Rocco), is a civil engineer and artist originally from Mexico. The combination of these two skills and talents allowed Rocco to pursue his interest in the restoration and transformation of vintage cars. In 2022, he acquired Unit 9 at 25 Commercial Rd. and began developing it. His now business partner Ross Rixon was curious about the redevelopment activity. When Ross inquired and learned about Rocco’s vision for developing the space, he realized he had met a kindred spirit. Ross left his career in IT and joined Motorista full-time in November 2023.
According to Casey Juanxi Li, who researched the development of Motorista Studio for her August 2024 essay, Rocco describes Motorista as a community of artists, which it certainly is, but also much more. It has become a place where members can pursue their passion projects, mostly related to cars, often with an artistic angle. It is also a bookable studio and event space available to hold a variety of functions.
Ruxandra Stefan, Motorista’s artistic director, says, “Rocco’s work experience as a professional engineer helped him transform the building that used to be offices into an airy open space. He reused some of the items in the renovation as a nod to the Leaside Aerodrome.”
There is a historical aspect to the place. Rocco’s vintage Cadillac is inside the building and visitors are allowed to sit in it (carefully!). The car is also a very popular Instagram prop. Each Monday you can find out more about the history of the Leaside Aerodrome as Toronto history authority Jeremy Hopkin drops a story on Motorista’s Instagram feed.
Since Motorista officially opened earlier this year it has gained a loyal following. The business has already hosted a variety of events such as live music, theme nights and parties, and it has been used for filming car commercials and as a backdrop for photo shoots. It also hosts artists including the creator of Neon Demon, Jon Simo. The space allows its members to come together, seek inspiration and work on their own projects.
Many people from Leaside and beyond got to experience the venue during Doors Open Toronto at the end of May. Motorista Studio is also a host of the Viva La Leaside Street Festival on Commercial Road this coming August 31st and September 1st. Learn more at www.motoristastudio.ca.
